Author: Omar Alonso

Omar Alonso acts as editor and as an author for our editorial team at Worst Room. Omar authors most of our content related to topics such as appliances, construction, roofing, painting, and repairs.

Qualifications

  • Over 20 years of professional experience as a handyman, there is no household project Omar hasn't successfully completed to full satisfaction.
  • Though nothing is out of his reach, Omar's expertise lies in HVAC repair, general appliance maintenance, and interior and exterior construction jobs.
  • Omar's "golden touch" didn't form out of thin air. He is a natural, but his endless studies and experience as an adult and from a young age tinkering as an apprentice for his father turned him into a master.

Experience

Omar's story begins as young as he can remember, sitting in the garage playing with his dad's tools, to growing enough to learn and help. It's no surprise that he turned this into his profession, continuing to offer his handyman services for over twenty years.

He can fix and build anything you need, from framing walls and floors, putting up drywall and putting down flooring, to painting, installing and configuring custom entertainment systems, all the way to repairing HVAC systems, dishwashers, refrigerators... you name it!

To this day his studies continue. As all of these industries evolve and as technology becomes more complex, you either grow and evolve with the times or get left behind. Omar has done so as evidenced by his healthy set of regular clientele and referrals, more than enough to keep him busy. And yet still he finds time to share his boundless knowledge with us here at Worst Room.

Most Memorable Home & Garden Moment

I remember being tiny and seeing my father come home covered in soot and sweat. Eventually when I was old enough to bother asking, he explained what he did for a living, which was working on a home construction crew, framing out the building and working on the roof laying shingle and what not.

We all have those memories that are so vivid for no real reason other than we were so young and curious about the world. This is how it is for me with my father showing me how to frame out a wall. That wasn't particularly hard, which is why my eyes lit up when he showed me how to frame a corner (we were building a giant shelving unit in the garage to store all of the holiday decorations and wreaths). While that's not a challenge to me now, it showed me how engaging, captivating, and fun working with my hands could be. Eventually he was teaching me to shingle our house's roof and the shed.

Fast forward to a job I had on a construction crew as a young man. Our boss brought us out to his incredible three-story house and needed one of us to go out and tar around a leaking roof vent on the third floor. I was cocky and confident as I had experience so I was the first to volunteer (so I thought). My boss led me to a bathroom dormer window where I could climb out of and onto the roof. I got one leg out the window before I froze. Turns out that I'm scared of heights past a certain point (two stories are fine but three was too much).

I broke out into a sweat and was trembling and everyone made fun of me, only to later admit that everyone on the crew, including the boss, had refused to do it for the same reason, and we, as a construction crew, had to bring in someone from the outside to complete a simple task for us! It's a funny memory that still makes me nervous thinking about it.

Omar Alonso's Articles

balancing comfort in winter

Balancing Comfort & Efficiency in Winter in Your Home

Updated: | Categories: HVAC

Winter always brings an uncomfortable cold, compelling households across hemispheres to rethink their heating strategies. To hunker down in warmth is instinctual; however, warming your residence can be […]

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What Kind of Screws for Subfloor Installation are Best? (3 Choices)

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

Tripping over squeaky floorboards is a common problem that can get on anyone's nerves. Why does it happen? It is often due to the use of incorrect or […]

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Can You Paint Over Rust? Yes, & This is How to Do It

Updated: | Categories: Garage

Rusty items can be a real eyesore in your home or garage. The good news is you don't have to throw them away because of their unsightly appearance. […]

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Pros & Cons of Plywood Floors Plus How to Choose Your Materials

Updated: | Categories: Garage, Interiors

Are you in the midst of a home renovation and baffled about whether to use plywood for flooring or not? Given its cost-effective appeal, plywood floors are increasingly […]

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Wet Sanding vs. Dry Sanding: When to Choose Each

Updated: | Categories: Garage

Choosing the right sanding method for your next project can be daunting - should you go wet or dry? When it comes to wet sanding vs. dry sanding, […]

Waterproofing Plywood: How to Seal it With 5 Methods

Updated: | Categories: Garage

Plywood is a versatile construction material, but moisture can quickly degrade its resilience, leading to rot and warping. Did you know applying a waterproof finish can significantly improve […]

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How to Vent a Dryer in the Middle of the House

Updated: | Categories: Appliances, Laundry Room

Proper dryer ventilation is crucial for safety and efficiency, yet homeowners face the challenge of venting a dryer located in the middle of their house. Finding a solution […]

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Is it Dangerous if the Pilot Light Goes Out on the Water Heater?

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

Have you ever experienced the shock of an unexpected cold shower and wondered, "Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on the water heater?" If so, […]

Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside? Yes, But Should You?

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

When it comes to selecting the right paint for your home, making an informed decision is crucial. Many people often wonder: can you use exterior paint inside? The […]

Can I Glue a Tub Surround Over Existing Tile? Yes & Here's How

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

Are you considering a bathroom upgrade but don't want to deal with the hassle of removing your existing tile? You're asking "can I glue a tub surround over […]

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Toilet Leaking From the Tank Bolts? Why, the Fix, & Prevention

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

Toilet leaks are annoying, wasteful, and potentially damaging to your bathroom floor. One common culprit behind such leaks is the toilet tank bolts, which can lead to water […]

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The Correct Toilet Flange Height & Adjusting Your Way There

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Tub & Toilet

Toilet flange height may not be the most glamorous topic, but it is vital in ensuring your bathroom remains leak-free and functional. An improperly installed toilet flange can […]

No Water in Your House Suddenly? 5 Causes & 5 Fixes

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

Imagine stepping into the shower only to find there's no water in your house suddenly... now your daily routine is disrupted and panic sets in. Why is my […]

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Joint Compound vs. Spackle: The Difference & When to Use Each

Updated: | Categories: Garage, Interiors

When it comes to home improvement projects and wall repairs, the age-old debate of joint compound vs. spackle often arises. These two materials are essential for drywall repair, […]

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How to Get Spray Paint Off Concrete? 8 Methods That Work

Updated: | Categories: Cleaning, Do-It-Yourself, Exteriors

Whether you're dealing with accidental spills, graffiti, or a DIY project gone awry, removing spray paint from concrete can seem like an impossible task. However, don't lose hope […]

How to Snake a Shower Drain to Fully Clear a Blockage

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

A clogged shower drain can be a frustrating and messy problem to deal with, but fear not! With the right tools and know-how, snaking your shower drain can […]

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Garbage Disposal Humming? How to Fix & Prevent It

Updated: | Categories: Appliances, Kitchen

Nobody wants to hear the sound of their garbage disposal humming right when they have just dumped some moldy leftovers into the sink, especially if the noise comes […]

How Much Does a Refrigerator Weigh? Depends on the Type

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

How much does a refrigerator weigh? Whether you're moving or doing a home renovation, you'll want to know the exact weight of your fridge. Once you have the […]

How to Turn Off Water to a Toilet (Shut-Off Valve Location & Usage)

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself

Knowing how to turn off water to a toilet is essential for every homeowner. It can prevent water damage and save you money on costly repairs, but it's […]

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What is Fascia on a House? (As Opposed to Trim)

Updated: | Categories: Roof

Your home's exterior is crucial for aesthetic appeal and protection from outside elements. One commonly overlooked but essential component of this exterior is the fascia. But what is […]

How to Remove Paint From Concrete (7 Methods)

Updated: | Categories: Garage

Painted concrete surfaces can bring life and vibrancy to various spaces, but when the time comes to refresh or renovate, removing the existing paint can be daunting. Whether […]

Install Vinyl Flooring Over Tile the Correct Way

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

Tiles are cold and unforgiving. It's time to make a change to the flooring system in your home. Vinyl floors are warm and come in as many design […]

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Particle Board Subfloor - Too Many Negatives

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

Are you planning on installing new flooring? The project is a great way to spruce up your home and its appeal to guests or buyers. Whether you're installing […]

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Hot Water Heater Not Filling Up? 4 Things to Check

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

Is the hot water in your home running cold? We don't appreciate how much we value hot water until it's unavailable for the shower, bath, and sinks (not […]

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Is Fiberglass Flammable? Only at Extreme Temps

Updated: | Categories: Garage

Are you insulating your home's finished garage, attic, or extension? Why not go with fiberglass insulation for the job? When choosing insulation, you need a product with a […]

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Does a Dishwasher Need a Dedicated Circuit?

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the move into your new home? Or maybe you're remodeling the kitchen and introducing new appliances to the space? A dishwasher is one […]

Does a Microwave Need a Dedicated Circuit?

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

The microwave is a kitchen essential in today's convenience-based society. Most homeowners don't realize the energy requirements of this device are steep. Does a microwave need a dedicated […]

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Microwave Turns On When the Door Opens?

Updated: | Categories: Appliances, Do-It-Yourself

Microwaves, like all home appliances, can behave erratically from time to time. If your microwave turns on or keeps running when you open the door – it's a […]

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Can You Bury PEX Pipes? - Plan Your Plumbing

Updated: | Categories: Garage

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a durable, lightweight material used in modern plumbing applications. But can you bury PEX? This polyethylene thermoplastic features cross-links, making it a highly […]

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Crushed Asphalt Driveway: Pros, Cons, & Costs

Updated: | Categories: Exteriors

The driveway is arguably the "highest traffic area" of the home. Okay, that was a bad pun, but this surface will endure plenty of abuse over the years. […]

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How Long Does It Take to Install a Water Heater?

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself

When the water heater goes, it means no hot water for the shower, dishwasher, or washing machine. It's amazing how much we take hot water for granted until […]

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6 Leaking Basement Floor Causes & Solutions

Updated: | Categories: Basement

Did you go down into the basement after a heavy rain storm to find water pooling on the floor? It's an unfortunate occurrence and requires immediate attention. But […]

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Bad Smell Coming From One Vent in the House?

Updated: | Categories: Cleaning, HVAC, Interiors

Is there a bad smell coming from one vent in the house? It might be coming from one specific vent in the house, but there could be several […]

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How to Make a Toilet Flush Better? (5 Simple Steps)

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

Are you flushing the toilet multiple times to clear it? That can be a sign of bigger problems in your plumbing system, or more often you just need […]

Fixing a Leaking Flexible Hose Under a Sink Quickly

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself, Sink

You stand at the sink, brushing your teeth, ready for bed. Suddenly, you notice your feet feel wet. You haven't showered or bathed, so why is there water […]

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Water Not Coming Out of Your Shower Head?

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

You step into the shower to start your morning routine, and the showerhead doesn't want to play ball. It stutters and stops delivering water, with a weak stream […]

How to Fix Low Water Pressure in a Bathroom Sink

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself

Is the water dribbling out of your faucet when it should be a raging torrent? Chances are the pressure in the pipes is low. What causes low water […]

How to Make Shower Water Hotter (Simple Solution)

Updated: | Categories: Bathroom, Do-It-Yourself, Tub & Toilet

Most of us enjoy a warm shower when we wake up. It washes away the haze and prepares us for the day ahead. Or maybe you like a […]

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How Deep Are Septic Tanks Buried? & Location Tips

Updated: | Categories: Lawn Care, Tub & Toilet

Do you have a septic tank on your property? Do you know where it is? Moving into a new home with a septic tank requires an understanding of […]

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Acetone Smell in Your House? Let's Remove the Odor

Updated: | Categories: Cleaning

Does your home smell like a nail polish remover? What's causing the noxious stench wafting through the rooms? There could be several reasons for the problem – some […]

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Does Spray Paint Expire? Yes, Here's What to Know

Updated: | Categories: Garage

You finish your latest project and decide it could use a coat of spray paint. You remember you have a can of black spray paint in the garage […]

How Long Does PVC Glue Take to Dry?

Updated: | Categories: Garage

When working with PVC pipes, one crucial question that often arises is how long does PVC glue take to dry? The answer depends on several factors, but generally […]

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How to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw or Bolt

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself, Garage

Many of us have been in the midst of a DIY project or repair, and suddenly we are faced with a stripped Allen screw or bolt, bringing our […]

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Can You Stucco Over Brick? Pros, Cons, & How To

Updated: | Categories: Exteriors

Stucco, a versatile and durable surface material, has gained popularity as an exterior renovation choice for homeowners. A common query arises, can you stucco over brick? The answer […]

Bad Drywall Job: Signs, Causes, & Fixing Your Walls

Updated: | Categories: Interiors

A bad drywall job can leave your home or commercial property looking unprofessional and unfinished. This causes issues such as nail pops, visible seams, uneven corners, and even […]

SharkBite Fitting Leaking? Here's Why & The Fix

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself, Garage

If you have ever used SharkBite fittings in your plumbing projects, you know how convenient and easy they are to install. They are push-to-connect fittings that save you […]

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4 Dishwasher Air Gap Alternatives (Pros & Cons)

Updated: | Categories: Appliances

You love your dishwasher. It saves you time and energy, and it makes your dishes sparkle. But there's one thing you don't love: the air gap. That little […]

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Painting Over Polyurethane the Right Way

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself, Garage

With the correct tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will endure for years by painting over polyurethane. To help you achieve a professional-looking finish […]

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How Long Does Spackle Take to Dry?

Updated: | Categories: Garage

In this guide, we'll look into the various factors influencing drying time for spackle and provide tips on how to reduce it. We'll discuss the different types of […]

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Polyurethane Over Paint the Right Way

Updated: | Categories: Do-It-Yourself, Garage

A coating of polyurethane over paint, a popular choice among amateurs and experts alike, is often used to preserve the look of painted surfaces. This advanced guide will […]